Step Back in Time at Homestead Fair on Thanksgiving Weekend in Waco

When the turkey and pies have been devoured and the mayhem of the Thanksgiving holiday has settled, many people get ready for the national consumerism holiday known as Black Friday. However, if you’re looking for something to continue the family-centered fun and grateful hearts, take everyone to Homestead Fair at Homestead Heritage near Waco, Texas.

Visiting the Fair at Homestead Heritage in Waco, TX

Homestead Fair Activities and Events

Held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Homestead Fair has activities and events for everyone in the family. There are homesteading demonstrations scheduled throughout the day including harnessing draft horses, sheepdog herding, broom making, wood carving, aquaponics, and essential oil distilling.

Speakers cover topics from creative writing to energy alternatives and beekeeping to child rearing. Quilts, iron work, bath salts, and more handmade wares are available for purchase as well. Just walking through the many historic buildings including a working gristmill powered by a water wheel is a great educational and fun experience.

Tour the blacksmith shop at Homestead Heritage in Waco, TX and see a live demonstration during the fair over Thanksgiving weekend.

One of my kids’ favorite stops is the Make-Your-Own tent. Both my sons find these hands-on activities exciting and love that they get to take home their handmade treasures. We’ve hand-dipped candles, made clay pinch pots, and woven coasters, among other things. My youngest son still takes the wooden sailboat he built to the creek to play!

Tip: Ask the cashier about any discounts that might be available when buying your tokens for these activities. In the past, we’ve bought $30 worth of tokens for $25.

The kids will enjoy the hands-on “Make Your Own” tent at Homestead Fair at Homestead Heritage in Waco, TX.

There are also opportunities to learn about the people of Homestead Heritage in Waco. A video runs continually throughout the day to give an overview of what living here means to them. The hayride gives some history of how this community came to be, in addition to beautiful views from the scenic overlook. A few of the talks during the fair describe different aspects of community living. In my visits to Homestead Heritage throughout the years I have found the people to be some of the kindest, most interesting people to chat with if you have the chance.

Festival Food at Homestead Heritage

The food at the festival is top notch, and you’ll want to taste a variety of their offerings. Mexican, Indian, and Mediterranean fare would appeal to those of us who are always longing for the next trip, while burgers, pasta, and brick oven pizza are a great day-after-Thanksgiving option, too. My personal favorite is the jalapeño sweet potato soup with just the right balance of sweet, savory and spice. Be sure and save room for homemade ice cream, donuts, or any of their numerous sweet treats.

Cost for the Homestead Fair

The only admission fee is a parking pass which is discounted if you purchase online before you go. It covers both days of the fair in case you can’t get to everything in just one day. While the fair offers a great variety of special activities, many of the Homestead Heritage buildings and the restaurant, Cafe Heritage, are open year-round.

Hilton Waco is a great choice for a place to stay since it’s just a short drive to get to Homestead Heritage, as well as many other popular Waco attractions.